Thompson brings about a dozen bonsai trees, as well as lucky bamboo, to each market. He also sells at The Villages and Market of Marion.

Market of Marion is the office, Thompson said. The Villages is always a party, but Belleview is something different.

"This is just a beautiful setting," he said. "It just gives me time to relax and take a look at my plants and decide what's going to be the next project."

Thompson grew up in a family with a green thumb. His father created topiaries. Young Gary Thompson had no patience for planting, he said. His interest grew while spending time at local nurseries, learning from plant enthusiasts.

"As I got older, I just really liked it," he said. "It's relaxing and it just takes you away."

He started growing bonsai trees when he was in college in California, Thompson said. Some of his trees are more than 40 years old and sell for nearly $500.

"It started as a hobby and the garage got too full of stuff so I had to take it somewhere to sell," he said.

He keeps more than 50 plants at his Silver Springs Shores home.

A 12-year-old Pennsylvania boy sends monthly pictures marking the growth of a bonsai tree he got from Thompson. At the end of the month, Thompson said he plans to help the boy repot the tree, nicknamed "Mr. Miyagi."

Teaching is his favorite aspect of selling the trees, said the retired world history teacher.

"To sell a $10 plant takes me 30 minutes," he said.

That's how long it takes to explain how to take care of the plant.

Other bonsai tree sellers spend time wiring the plants to have an artistic look, Thompson said.

<p>BELLEVIEW - Gary Thompson leans against his SUV in City Hall Park, his wares displayed on a table in front of him.</p><p>He doesn't fret as customers rifle through other booths and stroll past his bonsai stand.</p><p>"You can't ask for a better day," he says.</p><p>The Belleview Farmers' Market, which began on City Hall grounds at the beginning of November, is every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is sponsored by the Belleview Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Nearly a dozen vendors gather to sell to a regular lunch crowd.</p><p>What makes the Belleview market special, Thompson said, is that "here, no one's competing."</p><p>Locally harvested honey sells alongside handcrafted wooden birdhouses. Kielbasas are on display next to fresh farm produce.</p><p>Thompson brings about a dozen bonsai trees, as well as lucky bamboo, to each market. He also sells at The Villages and Market of Marion.</p><p>Market of Marion is the office, Thompson said. The Villages is always a party, but Belleview is something different.</p><p>"This is just a beautiful setting," he said. "It just gives me time to relax and take a look at my plants and decide what's going to be the next project."</p><p>Thompson grew up in a family with a green thumb. His father created topiaries. Young Gary Thompson had no patience for planting, he said. His interest grew while spending time at local nurseries, learning from plant enthusiasts.</p><p>"As I got older, I just really liked it," he said. "It's relaxing and it just takes you away."</p><p>He started growing bonsai trees when he was in college in California, Thompson said. Some of his trees are more than 40 years old and sell for nearly $500.</p><p>"It started as a hobby and the garage got too full of stuff so I had to take it somewhere to sell," he said.</p><p>He keeps more than 50 plants at his Silver Springs Shores home.</p><p>A 12-year-old Pennsylvania boy sends monthly pictures marking the growth of a bonsai tree he got from Thompson. At the end of the month, Thompson said he plans to help the boy repot the tree, nicknamed "Mr. Miyagi."</p><p>Teaching is his favorite aspect of selling the trees, said the retired world history teacher.</p><p>"To sell a $10 plant takes me 30 minutes," he said.</p><p>That's how long it takes to explain how to take care of the plant.</p><p>Other bonsai tree sellers spend time wiring the plants to have an artistic look, Thompson said.</p><p>"I just like to grow mine," he said.</p><p>Selling anything is a perk of his hobby, Thompson said.</p><p>"If I sell something," he said, "then it's a good day."</p>